Word Origin & History

counter mid-14c., "table where a money lender does business," from O.Fr. contouer "counting room, table of a bank," from M.L. computatorium "place of accounts," from L. computare (see compute). Generalized 19c. from banks to shops, then extended to display cases for goods. Countertop is attested from 1878. Phrase under the counter is from 1926.

Example Sentences for countering

They had evidently been watching and countering his every step.

Interesting historically, but of no use whatsoever in countering the menace.

The only other handweapon capable of countering it is another quarterstaff.

Then the idea of countering on this acuteness made him good tempered.

I struck at him and the sparks flew from his countering weapon.

Various methods of countering these tactics have been devised.

They went about their business like lightning, swinging, blocking, countering.

Just as it is suffering, just as it is succeeded, just as it is moist so is there no countering.

Instead of countering, he uttered a cry of agony, and clutched wildly with both hands at his hat.

Commonly its attitude is entirely pugilistic; two blunt fists rallying and countering.